Dreaming of bringing your family to Qatar? Whether for a short visit or a permanent move, Qatar offers two visa options to cater to your needs: the Family Visit Visa and the Family Residence Visa.
Understanding the difference between these two visas is crucial for ensuring a smooth experience for you and your loved ones. If you’re also considering properties for rent in Qatar, this guide will help you choose the perfect Qatar family visa option for your family’s adventure in this beautiful country.
Family Visit Visa Qatar
The Family Visit Visa in Qatar is a temporary visa that allows individuals to visit their family members residing in Qatar for a specified period. It enables family reunions and temporary stays for relatives such as parents, spouses, children, and siblings, whether it’s for holidays, celebrations, or other family-related activities.
How to Apply for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar?
You can apply for a family visit visa in Qatar by two methods: online and offline.
1- Offline Method:
- Visit the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Service Center: Locate the nearest MOI service center offering visa processing services.
- Obtain a Virtual Number: Upon arrival at the service center, approach the reception area and request a virtual number for your application.
- Submit Your Application: Once your number is called, approach the designated counter and present all your original documents (yours and your family members’) to the officer.
- Interview and Fee Payment: The officer will conduct a brief interview to verify the purpose of the visit. They might also inform you if any additional documents are needed or if there are any fees associated with the application.
- Receive a Receipt: If your application is accepted for processing, you’ll receive a receipt with a reference number. Use this number to track the application status. You may need to visit in person or contact them via phone or email for updates.
2- Online Method:
- Download and Install the Metrash2 App
Search for “Metrash2” on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Download and install the app on your smartphone or tablet. - Register or Login (if you have an existing account)
If you’re a new user, launch the app and choose “New User Registration.” Follow the on-screen instructions to create an account. If you already have a Metrash2 account, simply log in using your existing credentials. - Select “Visa” Services
- choose “Family Visit Visa“
- Enter Family Member’s Details
- Upload Required Documents
- Review and Submit Application
Carefully review all entered information and uploaded documents for accuracy.
Once everything is correct, submit the application electronically. - Fee Payment (if applicable)
The app might prompt you for any associated visa application fees. You can usually pay using a debit or credit card linked to your account. - Track Application Status
Metrash2 will provide a reference number for your application. Use this number to track the status of your family member’s visa application within the app.
Family Visit Visa Qatar Requirements
To sponsor a Family Visit Visa in Qatar for a close relative (spouse, children, or parents in some cases), you’ll need to meet specific requirements and provide certain documents.
For You:
- Valid Qatar ID: Your residency permit must be current and active.
- Proof of Residence: This could be a rental agreement, utility bill, or other documents demonstrating your residency in Qatar.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Obtain this original document from your employer. It should state your position, salary, and approval for sponsoring the family visit visa.
For Your Family Member:
- Valid Passport: The passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in Qatar.
- Proof of Relationship: Depending on the family member, this could be a marriage certificate (spouse), birth certificate (child), or other documents approved by the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
Minimum Salary for Family Visit Visa in Qatar:The minimum salary requirement for a family visit visa in Qatar is QAR 15,000.
Family Visit Visa Qatar Age Limit: There is no age limit for applying for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar, As long as the applicant is a close relative of the Qatari resident sponsoring the visa (parent, sibling, child, spouse, or parent-in-law), they can apply regardless of age.
Family Visit Visa Qatar Health Insurance
Health insurance provides several benefits for holders of Family Visit Visas in Qatar.
- Coverage Period: The insurance must cover the entirety of the visitor’s stay in Qatar.
- Benefits:
- Emergency medical care
- Ambulance services
- inpatient hospitalization
- Repatriation (emergency evacuation back to home country if medically necessary)
- COVID-19 coverage as well.
Family Visit Visa Qatar Extension
You can extend a Family Visit Visa in Qatar, but doing so typically involves a process that must be initiated before the visa expires.
To extend a family visit visa in Qatar, it’s important to first check the validity of the existing visa and ensure that the extension process is initiated before it expires.
Gather all necessary documents, including passport copies of the visitor and sponsor, proof of relationship, sponsor’s Qatar ID (QID) copy, and passport-sized photographs. Then, visit the Immigration Office either in person or through the available online channels to submit the completed application form along with the required documents.
Be prepared to pay any applicable fees during the submission process. Once the application is submitted, it will undergo processing, which may take some time.
Upon approval, the sponsor will be notified, and the visa validity will be extended accordingly. It’s crucial to check the new expiration date to avoid overstaying.
If the extension is denied or if the visitor needs to stay longer than permitted, they may need to exit the country and reapply for a new visa, depending on the circumstances and visa regulations.
Family Residence Visa in Qatar
The family residence visa in Qatar is a legal authorization issued by the Qatari government that permits foreign expatriate residents to sponsor their close family members for long-term residency in the country. This visa allows family members to live with the sponsoring resident and enjoy certain benefits within Qatar.
Who Can You Sponsor Under a Family Residence Visa in Qatar?
- Spouse: A valid marriage certificate is required.
- Children: Generally, sons must be under 25 years old. Unmarried daughters have no age limit. Birth certificates are necessary documents.
- Parents: Sponsoring parents is possible but subject to approval by the authorities.
Requirements for Family Residence Visa in Qatar
- Valid Qatar ID: This proves your residency status in Qatar.
- Minimum Monthly Salary: The minimum salary requirement varies depending on your profession, employment sector, and whether your employer provides accommodation. It can range from QAR 6,000 if housing is provided by the employer to QAR 15,000 per month if it’s not.
- Suitable Profession for Sponsorship: Certain professions, particularly those classified as “labour,” might have limitations on sponsoring family members.
- Meeting all Documentation Requirements: This includes marriage certificates, birth certificates, salary certificates, tenancy contracts, and more.
Benefits of a Family Residence Visa in Qatar
Not only does a family residence visa enable your family members to legally reside in Qatar, but it also grants them access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
Long-term Residency: With a family residence visa, your family can live in Qatar for a long time, making them feel settled and connected in the expatriate community. They can fully enjoy Qatar’s culture and lifestyle.
Work Opportunities: Besides living here, family members can also find jobs in Qatar. While the main sponsor usually has the main job or residency status, family members can get separate work visas. This lets them work in Qatar and follow their career dreams.
Healthcare and Education: Having a Family Residence Visa in Qatar will also give your family access to good healthcare and schools in Qatar.
Can a Visit Visa be Converted to a Residence Visa?
Yes, a family visit visa can be converted into a residence visa through some steps.
- Application: Apply for the conversion at the Immigration Department or relevant authorities.
- Prepare Documents: Gather required documents like passports, relationship proof, and medical certificates.
- Medical Examination: Undergo a medical checkup at a designated center.
- Fingerprint Clearance: After the medical test, have fingerprints taken for each family member.
- Fee Payment: Pay the necessary fees.
- Submit Application: Submit documents and application form.
- Approval: Await approval from authorities.
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